Following immediately after the glitz and glamour of the opening ceremony, the real Hero Indian Super League action will begin.

The third edition of the tournament will be more exciting than ever, with all new international stars set to feature.

DESIblitz brings you a complete guide to the 2016 Hero Indian Super League and exclusively hears from two Delhi Dynamos.

Key Dates of the 2016 Indian Super League

It will be an electrifying start to the 2016 Hero Indian Super League, as October is full of action.

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai, Guwahati, will host a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, October 1.

And soon after that, the new season kicks-off in the same stadium as NorthEast United take on Kerala Blasters.

Fans are in for a real treat the next day, as the 2014 ISL champions host the 2015 winners. Atletico de Kolkata face Chennaiyin in a titanic clash on October 2, 2016.

On October 3, the Maharashtra derby will be played between FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC. The southern derby between Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters will be contested on October 29, 2016.

But before that, Chennaiyin face FC Goa on October 13, in a replay of the 2015 Indian Super League final.

FC Goa begin their season in Assam to face NorthEast United on October 4, 2016. The Delhi Dynamos, meanwhile, kick-off their season in Chennai on October 6.

Wow, all that for you to look forward to in October 2016. But the action does not stop there, as each team plays a total of 14 league matches, to decide a ‘Top 4’ who proceed to the Finals.

Kerala Blasters host NorthEast United in the last regular season match of the Indian Super League on December 4, 2016.

The semi-finals begin on December 10/11, and the second legs will be played on December 13/14, 2016.

Make sure you are available on Sunday, December 18, to watch the two respective semi-final winner’s face-off to decide the ultimate 2016 ISL champion.

2016 Indian Super League Teams

The 2016 Hero Indian Super League again features eight franchises, and where better to begin than with the 2015 winners.

Chennaiyin are this year led by Italian UEFA Champions League, and FIFA World Cup winner, Marco Materazzi.

The defending champions, however, have lost their top scorer from last season. John Stiven Mendoza is now playing for New York City in American MLS.

They do, though, have former Liverpool and Delhi Dynamo defender, John Arne Riise, as their marquee player for 2016.

Two Brazilians will be key to 2015 ISL runners-up, FC Goa, this season. Zico manages the side for the third successive season, while defender, Lucio, is their marquee player.

Goa scored the most goals in 2015, but they will be pushed hard to achieve that again. Especially due to the attacking prowess of Mumbai City and Atletico de Kolkata.

Iain Hume was the 2014 ISL ‘Hero’, and was the second top scorer last season. This season, though, Hume will be supported and partnered by the Portuguese striker, Helder Postiga, for Atletico de Kolkata.

Nongrum believes Zambrotta’s coaching methods are working with the players. He says: “He’s a great coach and taught us a lot. Against West Brom we played really well and we did what he wanted us to do.”

Delhi’s close match with West Bromwich Albion suggests that the Dynamos could well be in for a successful 2016 season.

Kean Lewis believes that it could be a perfect season for Delhi. He says: “As a team, we feel really confident. With the Italian coaching staff that we have, defensively, were very compact and organised. All we’re looking for is to win the league.”

Overview

So each of the eight Indian Super League teams have improved, but there can only be one champion. Who will it be, and who will you be cheering for?

The 2016 Indian Super League season will be the last as we know it. Huge changes to Indian football are due to come into place for 2017/18 season.

So this final 8 team Indian Super League is sure to be a cracker. Don’t miss any of the action which begins on October 1, 2016.

Click here to find out more about the revolutionary changes to Indian football that are due to come into place for the 2017/18 season.

Keiran is an English graduate with a passion for writing and a love for music, sports, and his two dogs. He enjoys listening to Bhangra and R&B, as well as playing various sports. Keiran says: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”